The current survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses uses the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS).

Prior to 2003, the survey used the Standard Industrial Classification system coding (SIC).

The substantial differences between the 2 coding systems result in breaks in series for industry data. Users are advised against making comparisons between current industry categories (2003 and later) and the results from years prior to 2003.

What is the BLSI?

BLSI stands for “The Bureau of Labor Statistics Information.” This unit gathers and distributes data on fatal and nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. Fatality data is gathered through the U.S. Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Program (CFOI). Non-fatal data is gathered through an annual survey.

The Industrial Insurance Coding unit at L&I assigns occupation and injury and illness characteristic classification codes to Washington State workers' compensation claims. This unit also assigns North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes to all employer accounts. These codes enable researchers to draw current statistics related to Washington workplace safety and health.